Germany Wants Tougher EU Policy On Russia

When Germany takes over the EU Presidency in January they will push a new Russian agenda meant to face human rights violations and the rule of law. These changes are being proposed to address

the erosion of human rights, the murder of a prominent journalist and the use of energy as a political weapon under President Vladimir Putin.

The EU, and Germany in particular, is taking a big risk here because of Russia's global power and influence. For example, the EU is pushing for independence for Kosovo from Serbia and needs Russia to agree because of its position on the UN Security Council. It will be very interesting to see if the EU follows through with this policy and if Eastern Europe supports the EU or Russia.